Is a Craters & Freighters franchisee permitted to use the Marks in e-mail addresses?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must follow our rules when you use the Marks. You may not use any of the Marks alone or with modifying words, designs or symbols as part of a corporate or business name or in any form on the Internet, including but not limited to URLs, domain names, e-mail addresses, locators, links, metatags or search techniques. You must get our prior written approval of your company name before you file any registration documents. Guidelines regarding proper trademark use and notices are in the Operations Manuals and will be updated periodically in our discretion. You may not use the Marks with an unauthorized product or service, or in a manner not authorized in writing by us.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 32–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Craters & Freighters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted in how they use the company's trademarks, referred to as "Marks." Specifically, a franchisee cannot use the Marks alone or with any modifications as part of an email address. This restriction extends to various online formats, including URLs, domain names, locators, links, metatags, and search techniques.
This policy ensures that Craters & Freighters maintains control over its brand identity and prevents unauthorized or confusing uses of its trademarks online. Franchisees must also obtain prior written approval from Craters & Freighters before registering any company name, further emphasizing the importance of adhering to the franchisor's branding guidelines. These guidelines are detailed in the Operations Manuals and are subject to periodic updates at Craters & Freighters's discretion.
For a prospective Craters & Freighters franchisee, this means that when setting up their business, they will need to choose an email address that does not incorporate the Marks in any unauthorized way. This could influence decisions about domain names and overall online branding strategy. While this might seem restrictive, it is a common practice in franchising to protect the brand's integrity and avoid potential legal issues related to trademark infringement.